TCA Board Members

Patrick Bedford - Chairperson (Emu Run Experience)

As the Managing Director of Emu Run Experience, a local tour operator, Patrick has a wealth of knowledge and experience working within the tourism industry in Central Australia. His passion for the region, along with his energy and enthusiasm, is what drives his commitment to the TCA Board. Patrick's unique skill set allows him to be an effective member of the board and work with stakeholders to enhance growth and success of the tourism industry in the region.

Kyle Pearson - Deputy Chairperson (Alice Springs Brewing Co)

Kyle Pearson is a long-time resident of Alice Springs calling the area home for the last 20 years. Over this time he has worked in many Hospitality & Tourism businesses and also spent 5 years travelling Central Australia as a Business Development Executive for Carlton & United Breweries. In more recent times Kyle founded Alice Springs Brewing Co and has nurtured and developed it from a fledgling operation to a large scale commercial brewery. Kyle has previously held positions with the Apex Club of Central Australia such as Club President and the Apex Camel Cup Director 2010-2015. Kyle is has also held board positions with the Blatherskite Park Board of Trustees, Clubs NT and Australian Hospitality Association NT and is currently the NT State Lead for the Independent Brewers Association of Australia and Board Member and Treasurer of Gillen Club Inc.

David White - Secretary (Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

David has over 35 years’ experience in Tourism, Hospitality and Resort Operations. The majority of the roles were at General Manager level and required oversight of all operations and full responsibility for financial performance, reporting, strategic planning, and implementation of key business initiatives. David has fulfilled these roles at the Ayers Rock Resort, Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sheraton Mirage Resort, Nifsan Developments and Master planned Community. He has been Chief Operating Officer at Ayers Rock Resort since 2018.

Jodie Summers - Treasurer (Charles Darwin University)

Jodie is originally from North Queensland but has lived in Alice for over 28 years, holding several senior hospitality management positions in that time. In 2005 Jodie moved into the not-for-profit sector at Desert Knowledge Australia, General Manager Corporate Services & Precinct. She then worked at Alice Springs Town Council and project managed the delivery of the successful myAlice voucher program. Now Associate Vice-Chancellor Central Australia & Barkly regions for Charles Darwin University, Jodie sees her role at Tourism Central Australia as an opportunity for CDU to demonstrate leadership in an important sector for our regions, and to ensure CDU’s training and education delivery supports the region’s tourism industry.

Bradley Kerkman - Finance & Risk Committee Representative (G'Day Group)

Bradley Kerkman is the Senior Regional Operations Manager with The G’Day Group, Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider. Bradley leads operations for half of the company’s national portfolio of properties (more than 30 properties), including the newly formed Hospitality Portfolio, highlighted by Kings Canyon & Glen Helen Resorts. Passionate and proud of Australian tourism, Bradley continues to professionally develop and is currently undertaking an MBA program through UNISA after completing a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration in 2021. Bradley has a commercial head and a customer heart; as the portfolio and properties grow, they do so underpinned by strategic frameworks and process, to enable scalability, compliance, and high-quality guest experience.     

Andrea Lehman (Outback Ballooning)

Andrea has been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years and in Alice Springs since 2000. Her roles have included product development for wholesalers here in Alice Springs, Melbourne, and in Tasmania. Andrea has worked in management positions in car rentals, communications, marketing manager at the Cultural Precinct and now running her own business as general manager for the last 12 years. She is a passionate advocate for Central Australia attending many trade shows throughout the year both in Australia and overseas, always flying the NT banner proudly.

Craig Jervis (Iris Capital)

Craig Jervis is the Chief Operating Officer of Lasseters Hotel Casino and oversees the IRIS Capital portfolio of venues in Alices Springs which includes the Gapview Hotel, Todd Tavern, Diplomat Hotel, Stay at Alice Springs Hotel and the Mercure.  Craig oversees a portfolio with revenues of over $80M+ p.a, overseeing the strategic direction with ownership and facilitates the groups future plans for the Alice of more than $200M in capital works.  With more than 530 employees, IRIS Capital is the largest private employer in Alice Springs and contributes significantly to the local economy and boasts a room inventory of 564 rooms. Craig brings 25 years of hospitality experience and having resided in the Red Centre for 16 years, he holds B.A. in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Advance Diploma in Hotel Management and Diploma of Adult Tertiary Teaching. His community and professional involvement has included sitting on the Board of The Australian Hotel Associations (NT), and National TAA Board, Australian Tourism Export Council (NT) committee member, the Red Centre Economic Development committee, Alice Springs Major Business Group and Chair of the Central Australian Liquor Accord.

Alex Dye (Uluru Segway Tours / Uluru Audio Guide)

Alex first became involved in tourism in Central Australia in 2012, when she moved to Yulara whilst completing her undergraduate degree in Adventure Eco Tourism. For the last seven years she has been a part-owner and Business Manager at Uluru Segway Tours & Uluru Audio Guide. Through her work Alex has helped to launch both businesses, developing them from the ground up to international ready products. Alex is well versed in creating strategic plans to achieve goals and has an in-depth knowledge of the tourism landscape in Central Australia. Alex is passionate about promoting the breadth and depth of experiences on offer in the region and believes that by working together our industry can thrive and create positive outcomes for all.

Allan Woo (Airport Development Group - NT Airports)

After immigrating from Canada in 2008, Allan has been living and working in tourism regions of Tropical North Queensland and the Hunter Region before relocating to the Northern Territory 3 years ago.  He has taken every opportunity to explore and enjoy many of the travel experiences available in both Central Australia and the Top End, and is passionate about promoting the destination to friends, family, and broader network. With more than 20 years' experience in tourism and hospitality – including the positions of General Manager for a Cairns-based dive company, President of Dive Queensland, and currently Aviation Development Manager at Airport Development Group (who own and operate Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports, 2 hotels, various utilities and a diverse property portfolio) - Allan has broad experience and unique perspectives to offer.

Sid Vashist (Mayor Barkly Regional Council)

Sid Vashist is an Indian-Australian who has proudly called Tennant Creek home for nearly 15 years. He first arrived in the Barkly with a deep sense of purpose, and over time, his connection to the region has only grown stronger. With a degree in Business Management (majoring in Finance and Management), Sid has worked across the board – from retail to NGOs, government, and the private sector. Today, he brings that wealth of experience and passion to his role as Mayor of Barkly Regional Council. Driven by a genuine curiosity and a deep love for the Territory, Sid is passionate about empowering young people, supporting local businesses, and helping shape a more vibrant and connected Barkly.

Neva McCartney (Parks and Wildlife NT)

Neva McCartney is the Executive Director of the Parks and Wildlife Division within the Department of Tourism and Hospitality. Neva has lived and worked in remote and regional parts of the Territory. She commenced with Parks and Wildlife in 1995 in the Katherine region.  Neva has worked in various areas of public service including Parks and Wildlife. She has been involved in issues such as park operations, strategic policy, projects and park development, legislative reform, and joint management.  Neva is committed to the management of well-maintained and accessible parks and reserves across the Territory that balance the need to protect important natural and cultural values with visitor and tourism use in mind.

Rachel Telford (Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade)

Rachel has over 30 years of experience in tourism-related roles in the public and private sectors, spanning business and economic development, events, marketing, and academia. Rachel has held executive roles at Tourism Western Australia and the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality, leading teams in marketing, strategy, and industry development. Rachel first joined Tourism NT in 2004 in the Alice Springs office, heading up the Destination Marketing team for the Red Centre. During this time, she also lectured at the Centralian campus of CDU, and on weekends loved to enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ on the doorstep. Rachel’s qualifications include a Master of Business Degree and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Marketing); she is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.